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The 
Pageant of Earlham College 

IN QUEST OF 

FREEDOM 



By 

Walter Carleton Woodward, '99 




Presented on the College Campus 

June Five and Seven 

Nineteen Hundred Twenty-two 

° » °\ a a j 



• ) 










Copyright, 1922 

By 

Walter Carleton Woodward 

All Rights Reserved 



JUN 10 1322 



•CI.D 61109 



«*vQ 




i . 






FOREWORD 

In the preparation of this pageant, the writer has conceived 
of Earlham College as a Spirit, rather than as an institution of brick 
and mortar. He has concerned himself with the development of 
Earlham as an Ideal rather than with the achievements of individuals. 
Attention is called to the fact in order to explain the liberty that has 
been taken in a few instances in the use of proper names. In 
telling the story of the Quaker migration from the Carolinas, the 
family names of the first Quaker settlers in the Whitewater Valley 
are used, but first names are purposely transposed in order that 
it may be clearly understood that the writer is not tracing the 
actual incidents in the life of any certain individual. On the other 
hand, where definite historic events are portrayed, as the opening 
of Friends Boarding School, the Quaker wedding, and the repro- 
ducing of features of old Ionian-Phoenix programs, the real names 
of the participants have been used. For purposes of effective pres- 
entation, slight liberty has been taken with chronology. For ex- 
ample, the fraternity emissary incident which is given in connection 
with the founding of Earlham, actually took place in 1875. 

The writer and all friends of Earlham are indebted to the 
Quaker artist, Miss Olive Rush, for the beautiful design which 
appears on the cover of the Pageant P>ook. A student in art in 
Earlham when a mere girl, she has generously and joyously taken 
time from a busy career to make this contribution to the observance 
of the Jubilee anniversary. 

W. C. W. 



OUTLINE OF THE PAGEANT 

Introduction 

The Hymn to Freedom — Pageant Processional 

The Prologue 

Send Forth Thy Light 

Episode One: In the Land of Bondage 
Scene One : The Issue 
Scene Two: The Departure 

Episode Two: On Freedom's Soil — Settlement in the Whitewater 
Valley 

Episode Three : The Founding of Earlham College 
Scene One : The Vision 

Scene Two: "Second Day, Sixth Month Seventh" (1847) 
Scene Three : Teaching by Example — A Foretoken of Earlham 

Episode Four : Recognition of the "New Learning" and the Aesthetic 

Episode Five : Developing the Gift — Ionian and Phoenix, Schools 
in Self-Expression (1897) 

Episode Six: For Faith and Freedom (1917) 

Episode Seven: Fulfillment and Promise — The Jubilee Observance 
(1922) 



The Pageant of Earlham College 
In Quest of Freedom 



INTRODUCTION 



(The Herald of Freedom, mounted, rides into the foreground, 
playing on cornet motif of the Hymn to Freedom which follows be- 
low. He finishes after his mount has been halted before the audi- 
ence, which is brought to attention.) 

Herald: Hear ye! Hear ye! The Pageant of Earlham College is 
about to begin. Its motif is "In Quest of Freedom," and her 
whom we all seek we first introduce to you. 

(Freedom, closely accompanied by her sisters, Peace and Justice, 
enters, followed by her joyous, loyal retinue. The chorus takes posi- 
tion in front and sings, "Freedom Our Queen',' with due obeisance. 
As the singers, closing, withdraw a little to one side away from the 
audience, the speaker of the Prologue steps out into such position that 
he may address Freedom and yet be speaking toward the audience.) 



PROLOGUE. 

To thee we own allegiance full and free, 

To thee our Queen, to Freedom blest and fair. 

Most sought and longed for through the ages thou. 

Earth's highways far, as well, Earth's byways near 

In truth have all sought thee, have all sought thee. 

The first drawn breath on gray Creation's morn 

Was naught but aspiration, Freedom turn'd. 

In many a conflict century long, have men 

And Nations blindly striven, blindly fought 

In search of thee and mayhap found thee not. 

Of all of Heaven's benedictions rich 

The most elusive thou. Men oft have grasped 

At thee — and clutched naught but thy shameless foils ; 

On one hand despotism cruel, hard, 

Or, fain embracing thee, have license found, 

Which leads to thy arch traitor, anarchy. 

Yet shunning thee is very death itself. 

A Queen art thou indeed, most beautiful, 



Alluring — yet imperative and stern. 

In thy name seeking, men too oft become 

E'en super-men, yet tyrants, libertines. 

Espousing not thy holy cause they less 

Than men become, soul craven, senseless brutes. 



Most terrible and crude the weapons used 

To blaze and clear the way to Freedom's throne: 

By battle ax and chariot, 

By forest war club rude; 

By damasc blade and scimitar, 

By Viking barque, by swift trireme; 

By castled wall and dungeon cell 

By long bow and by lance; 

By gibbet high, by faggot fire 

By poison cup and poinard keen; 

By cannon belch, by Hussar charge 

By gleaming steel and bayonet ; 

By treach'rous mine, by hand grenade 

By submarine and aeroplane. 
And all of these in Freedom's sacred name 
Most priceless gift of heaven's store to man. 
What wonder that thou didst so oft thy face 
In shame and sorrow turn, that blinded men 
Would never learn that thou are mute, aloof, 
Except thy sister Justice, too, be wooed. 



Throughout Earth's space since very time began 
The battle rage for Freedom has been heard ; 
On Chaldee's plains and Egypt's sands, 
Neath Sinai's peak, on Syrian field, 
In Pelop's dales, on Attic's strand, 
On troublous, keen fought sea, Aegean; 
Round Tiber's flow, on Dido's coast 
And through the gates of Hercules ; 
Midst lowland dykes, in Alpine heights 
'Neath fleur-de-lis, in Fatherland, 
From Russian steppe to Good Hope's lure 
And Spanish Main to far Luzon; 
In Britain's Isle, in Pilgrim's land 
On many a Saxon Runnymeade. 
Through conquest and through carnage, seeking thee, 
Have war lords ever thought to win as well 
Thine other sister Peace. Such winning has 
Fore'er been fanciful and false. For thou 
Wouldst teach that thou art one of trinity, 
In Freedom, Justice, Peace — all three in one, 
And each without the other vain. All they 
Who ever dare spurn one, must soon lose all. 



We come to-day a little band of Friends — 
E'en loyal friends of Freedom, Justice, Peace, 
And if so friends of God. Midst clashing arms, 
Midst shaking thrones, our fathers learned what thou 
Wouldst speak. Espoused they, thy sister Peace. 
Unmoved by war's alarums, true to her 
They thought them true to Justice and to thee. 
Far be it that we vaunt their fame and ours. 
All eager in thy cause have even we 
Against thee often sinned. Full long has been 
The learning of the lesson deep that bond 
Removed from human flesh is token mere 
Of Freedom of the Soul. And that can ne'er 
Exist, where mind and heart are stultified. 



The way has sometimes weary been and long 
We've traveled, in the path of liberty 
So boldly, nobly trod by those before 
To this new promised land, thy heritage. 
But gathered here on Wisdom's sacred ground 
Forever dedicated to thy cause, 
We tell the story of our quest for thee. 
And may that holy quest ne'er ended be. 
To thee may each day bring new tribute full, 
To thee our Queen and thrice blest trinity. 

(As the Prologue ends, the chorus, addressing Freedom, sings 
'Send Forth Thy Light." All leave fidd singing.) 



EPISODE ONE: IN THE LAND OF BONDAGE 

Scene One : The Issue 

(The setting is here a double one. Above is represented a garden 
party at a typical aristocratic home of the South — in this case in the 
Carolinas. The party is held at the home of Colonel and Mrs. Beverly 
Winston and their pretty and popular niece, Miss Betty. While the 
guests gather, Negro plantation melodies are heard in the fields be- 
hind. Col. Winston is playfully drawn into the festivities by his 
wife, Betty occupying all the time a prominent place in the scene. 
After the guests have arrived, refreshments are informally served, 
after which a few of the Negro servants are introduced for the en- 
tertainment of the young people. 

While this has been going on above, on Chase Stage, there is rep- 
resented below the dooryard of the home of Samuel Hoover, Quaker. 
His wife, Anna, seated at a spinning zuheel, appears thoughtful and 
serious. The Hoover children are variously engaged; Mary, age 12, 
playing with her doll; the two boys, James and Thomas, playing a 
game of mumblety-peg. The eldest son, John, who enters shortly, 
is stalwart and compelling. He, too, is thoughtful and restless, his 
gaze being directed toward Winston Court. 

In the meantime, music has called the garden party guests into 
the house. Betty Winston, amid the attention given her, is seen to 
direct a half wistful, half mischievous glance every now and then 
toward the young Quaker. This does not escape the watchful eye 
of Anna Hoover and adds to her anxiety. 

Two Friends, David Cox and Levi Hunt, enter the Hoover yard. 
Conversing with each other with serious mien, they approach the 
Hoovers.) 

Samuel Hoover : What deep affair of state or conscience doth so 
occupy you, good friends ? 

David Cox : Levi has just been telling me a sad affair he witnessed 
in the town to-day. Levi, will thee not repeat thy story to these 
friends ? 

Levi Hunt: I would not harry their feelings unduly. Enough to 
say that I saw a neighbor of ours of high estate, driven by hard 
circumstance, sell in the market place the flesh and blood of his 
own lust. 

Samuel Hoover: Surely, an almost unheard of event that. 

Levi Hunt: Perhaps, Friend Hoover, but one that will become 
less uncommon as the years pass, if my sense of the future fail 
me not. 

8 



David Cox : Whether thy prophecy be true or false, Levi, the bond- 
age of the black man has brought a curse upon this land which 
pollutes the very air our children breathe. It not only violates 
the sanctity of home — it forces a deadly alternative : One must 
use the labor of the slave or sink to the level his labor creates. 
I refuse to accept either. 

Samuel Hoover : What then, David ? 

David Cox : Thee has surely heard of the new land of Freedom, 
Samuel — that part of the Northwest Territory known as In- 
diana? Why, even the land itself is almost free, and the ordi- 
nance creating the territory forever prohibits slavery therein. A 
deep concern is coming over many Friends that this new land is 
a gift of the Lord offering us a way of escape from the bonds 
of servitude. 

Levi Hunt: Perhaps this is the concern that troubles our young 
friend John (who, meanwhile, is still looking toward the Win- 
ston's), who seems not to be edified by our conversation. 

Anna Hoover : Your land of freedom does not lie in that direction, 
I am thinking. 

Levi Hunt: His father's didn't, eh Samuel? 

Samuel Hoover: John is a brave lad who prefers to face danger 
than escape it. 

Mary Hoover: And even court it, Father. 

Anna Hoover : Such levity ill becomes the seriousness of the situa- 
tion. I have a feeling that it would be right for us to remove to 
Indiana before our children (looking toward John) partake of 
the flesh pots. (Pointing toward the Winston garden.) 

Levi Hunt: Perhaps John may "spoil the Egyptians" before de- 
parting for the Land of Promise. 

David Cox : Well, Friends, as we go our way let us seek the light 
as to our future course. 

(All the Friends but John disappear. Betty reappears and lingers 
in the garden, listening to the Negro melodies and is apparently un^ 
conscious of the approaching figure of John.) 

John: (Rather uncertainly) Ah — how does thee do, Betty Winston? 

Betty : (Starting) Oh, Mr. Hoover, how you frightened me ! Are 
you in the habit of stealing up on young ladies in this informal 
manner ? 

John : Betty Winston my name is plain John Hoover, the same as 
it was when thee and I played together as children. Why does 
thee refuse to use the plain language with me now as then? 

Betty: If you give me another scare as you did a moment ago, 
you will have no occasion to chide me for not using plain 
language, Mr. Hoover. 



John: Why this foolish subterfuge? Thee knows how it is with 
me, Betty Winston. ... I have a concern for thee. 

Betty : The concern is all yours, Mister 



John: (Ignoring the interruption) The hand of the Lord is heavy 
upon this land because of the iniquity of slavery. It rests upon 
the just and the unjust — all who remain herein must feel the lash 
which lays open the black man's flesh. The way of escape to 
Freedom's soil is offered to those who will accept it. Betty 
Winston I would save thee — 

Betty : What a philanthropist our young Quaker has become ! And 
how many of us burning brands does this concern include? Or 
perhaps he is merely representing the Meeting of the society 
for sufferings! 

John : (Still ignoring the raillery) I would save thee from evil days 
to come, but I must first know that thee wants to be saved : Give 
me some sign, Betty Winston. 

Betty : "The wicked shall seek a sign, but there shall be no sign — " 

John: Betty Winston such trifling is unworthy of thee and me. 
Will nothing make thee serious ? Listen then to what thee must 
long have known — / love thee. There ! Thee knows what it 
means for me to make that declaration to thee who is not of 
our Society. Yet I make it and make it proudly, be the conse- 
quences what they may. Now, (reaching for her hand) will 
thee give me a sign? 

(During this last speech, Betty's attitude wholly changes from 
that of levity to deep seriousness. As John waits for an answer, she 
looks thoughtfully toward her girlhood home as if counting the cost. 
She then turns to John, facing North.) 

Betty : And this shall be a sign unto thee, John Hoover : "Whither 
thou goest, I will go; thy people shall be my people, and thy 
God my God ; the Lord do so to me and more also, if aught but 
death part thee and me." 

(With these words Betty quietly slips away, leaving John stunned 
with the sudden realisation of his great happiness. Finding himself 
alone, zvith bared head, he raises his face heavenward — in silent 
thanksgiving — then retires homeward.) 



Scene Two : The Departure. (Six Months Later.) 

(This scene is laid at Winston Court and shows the leave-taking 
of John and Betty Hoover. Colonel and Mrs. Winston appear, sor- 
rowful but brave. Betty is dressed in Quaker costume and holds a 
young lady's Quaker bonnet by the strings. At one side a Negro boy 
holds a saddled horse. The plantation servants are grouped around 
the principals and are bemoaning the departure of their beloved 

10 



young mistress. With tears in her eyes she bids them farewell. Her 
old Negro mammy comes forward bearing Betty's pretty bonnet.) 

Mammy: Oh Miss Betty, you po' chile, ain't you gwine to wear yo' 
own pretty bonnet what Marse and Misses gib you ? Let yo' old 
Mammy see yo' sweet face in it once mo'. 

(Betty takes it, looks at it lovingly, then with resignation hands it 
back to old Mammy, putting on the Quaker bonnet. Mammy em- 
braces her, her Uncle and Aunt kiss her goodbye and shake hands 
impressively with John. The latter mounts his horse, Col. W. assists 
Betty up behind him, and they ride away waving farewells.) 



11 



EPISODE TWO: ON FREEDOM'S SOIL— SETTLEMENT 
IN THE WHITEWATER VALLEY 



(Three covered wagons approach in the distance, bearing respec- 
tively the Cox, Hunt and Hoover families. Beside the Hoover 
wagon ride John and Betty on horseback. Two or three of the men 
walk beside the wagons. A cow is tied behind each of the first two 
of the latter, and two cows behind the third wagon, the Hoover s. 
The wagons draw up, the families unload and the children romp 
and frisk about with their dogs. The men, John excepted, recon- 
noiter, looking for home sites. John and Betty ride into the fore- 
ground before the audience and dismount, when the Holman family, 
of the Elkhorn region, appears, George Holman stepping forward.) 

Holman: Howdy! Whar be ye from? And what's yer name? 
Mine's George Holman. 

John : From Carolina, our name, Hoover. Is this thy home friend 
Holman ? 

Holman : Say that agin. 

John: Does thee live here? 

Holman : Five mile south on Elkhorn crick. But reckon I never 
heerd folks that talk that o'way afore. Larn it in a book? 

Betty: He doesn't understand, John; tell him we are Friends. 

John: We belong to the Society of Friends and speak the plain 
language. 

Holman : Tain't very plain to me. We hain't no sawcietee round 
here, but we'se all friends, and we don't talk that o'way nuther, 
'nless 'twas the circuit rider when he wuz a prayin'. 

John: Maybe thee would understand better if we tell thee we are 
Quakers. 

Holman : Quakers ! Well, I 'low ! Ma ! Ma I here's some Quaker 
folks. Ye've hearn tell o' them people haint ye ? 

Mrs. Holman : (Coming forward) I reckon as I have. Samantha 
Ann, Tilly Jane, Thomas Ebenezer and the rest o' ye, come out 
and see the people. 

John : With these friends of ours, we have come to take up claims 
and live in this new country of Indiana. 

Holman : Wall, there's nothin' much here but claims — so hep 
yo'self. 

12 



Betty : Is there a — a school near ? 

Holman: Purty near, next year — not more'n about six mile. 

Mrs. Holman : I been teachin' Samantha Ann a little outer the 
almanac. A-b, ab, Samantha Ann, say 'em for the lady. 

Betty: Thank you, Samantha Ann. Perhaps, if we settle near, I 
may teach you further — you and the rest. 

Mrs. Holman : I'd like if you uns would stake near us — purvidin' 
yer willin'. There's a good spring close by. 

Holman : And it's on a section as'll make as good corn land as ever 
laid out doors. Come — we'll show ye. 

(John and Betty, leading tHeir horses, follow the Holmans. The 
elder men return, reporting that they have found desirable locations 
a little farther on in the same neighborhood. They load up their 
families and drive on and out of sight.) 



13 



EPISODE THREE: THE FOUNDING OF EARLHAM 

COLLEGE 

Scene One: The Vision 

(Freedom, closely accompanied by Justice and Peace, and sup- 
ported by five figures representing Hope, Faith, Courage, Self- 
Sacrifice and Love, comes onto the scene. She looks about her upon 
the broad expanse with evident satisfaction, tempered, however, with 
some concern.) 

Freedom : A rich land this, and fair, my sisters. 

Justice and Peace: And dedicated all to Thee. 

Freedom : I hold it only in trust with you, without whose prompt- 
ings it would have ne'er been mine. And I give due recognition 
also to you, my faithful friends and allies (speaking to the five, 
who bow in acknowledgement) , who have e'er supported me so 
well. And I have yet much need of you. Present accomplish- 
ment should ever be the prelude only to future achievement. This 
broad land secured to me is naught but opportunity for the quest 
of a new and higher Freedom. Oh, think you that my people 
who have found me here will still be faithful to the quest? 
. . . But see, who come? 

(Enter John and Betty Hoover from such direction that when 
addressing Freedom they shall be looking toward Earlham Hall. 
They appear as two pilgrims on a quest. On seeing Freedom they 
rather hesitate, half startled, half bewildered, then, on her recog- 
nition, start joyously forward to within ten or fifteen yards of her, 
where they stand in reverent attitude.) 

Freedom : What seek you, good friends, for in you I recognize 
Friends in very deed ? 

John Hoover: We are seeking the light. 

Freedom : The light ? 

John Hoover: The inner light, that lighteth every man his path — 
the path which leads to perfect freedom. 

Freedom : (Suppressing her eager delight to further lead him out) 
How now? Was not the light you seek a very cloud by day 
and pillar of fire by night to lead you to this land of mine? 
What more could mortal ask? 

14 



John Hoover : Aye, the light of Yesterday, for which we e'er give 
thanks. But what of the Morrow? We have been blessedly 
led to this thy heritage. To it our fathers blazed the way that 
we their children might be blessed of Thee. But what of us? 
Is it ours to rest content with their great deeds of faith ? Have 
we no debt to pay to those who call us, sire ? We may e'en lose 
the heritage we have, doing nothing to enrich it. Pray tell us, is 
there not a greater freedom yet for us ? 

Freedom : (With yearning joy) Oh my children, could you only 
know the joy and reassurance that you give me. Freedom is 
ever ready for those who really seek her. 'Tis they that seek 
and ever seek that find .... but to your problem : True 
Freedom has two hand-maids, Enlightenment and Service. 'Tis 
only those who know and who know to serve that are true heirs 
of mine. 

Behold ! The Vision ! (Leaning forward and looking upward 
toward Earlham Hall. John and Betty eagerly follow her gaze.) 
Remove the shoes from off your feet for this is holy ground. 
The God of Wisdom shall hereon reveal himself to your chil- 
dren and unto your children's children. See! The Temple of 
Enlightenment arises, the veil is rent asunder — all may come 
and learn of Truth. Here on "either side the Great Road," the 
highway of life — see you not the halls of learning lift them- 
selves? Youth enters, young manhood and young womanhood 
depart, but twixt that entering and departure God's holy alchemy 
hath been wrought. They who go, go forth to serve. See! 
See ! Freedom saved and glorified ! 

John and Betty: (Whose faces have been lighting) the vision! 
the vision! 
(After gazing in rapture a moment they kneel in silent prayer.) 

Freedom : (Looking upon them, her hands outstretched, benignant.) 
May the God of Truth, of Wisdom, of Enlightenment, brood 
over them in this holy, fructifying hour. We behold the birth 
throes of an Ideal ; an Ideal, which, clothed with flesh and blood, 
and brick and mortar, shall lead the hosts of Freedom. God's 
heroes of the Past, His champions of the Present, come forth 
to shape the destinies of this hour. 

(As Freedom utters these words, those named below enter slowly 
from the opposite direction. Their approach is solemn, stately, 
spirit-like. They come up to the kneeling Hoovers, over which each 
pauses with outstretched hands while Freedom speaks for him, after 
which each passes on.) 

Freedom : George Fox breathes into the Ideal the breath of true 
Quakerism: Loyalty to the Christ of Truth, the guidance of 
the inner light, the warmth and freshness of heart religion, 
steadfastness of purpose, simplicity of life. 

Margaret Fell: The beneficent influence of noble womanhood, 
in its rare discerning sympathy, its helpful companionship, its 

15 



abiding faith, its joyous co-operation, its inspiring appeal, is em- 
bodied in her who bespeaks an equal place for womanhood in 
the creation of the Ideal. 

William Penn: May that Christian statesmanship which 
stands for Democracy, free government, Liberty, Justice, so 
mould the Ideal as to send forth far visioned statesmen, worthy 
the name of William Penn. 

Robert Barclay brings foundation stone for the Ideal in prin- 
ciples of Faith, held fast together by resistless logic. 

John Woolman: His consecration, as manifest in his efforts 
for the enlightenment and uplift of those of poor estate, be with 
you ever. 

Stephen Grellet: May concern for the evangelization of the 
world be as deep, as broad, as constant, as was his. 

Lucretia Mott warns against the dogmatism of creed, ex- 
emplifying the religion of service. She labors not only to free 
the bondman from the chains of servitude, but bondwoman as 
well from the chains of legal, political and social restrictions. 
She is in very truth, minister. 

John Bright: May his heroism and eloquence in his cham- 
pionship of economic and political justice, in his impassioned 
plea for peace, envigor the Ideal. 

(Enter together the courtly English gentleman, Joseph John Gur- 
ney and his beautiful sister, Elisabeth Fry. Freedom manifests 
marked joy in their presence. They approach the Hoovers, who are 
still kneeling.) 

Freedom : (Looking toward Earlham Hall) Fair blest art Thou, 
beloved Ideal, whose name shall be enshrined forever with such 
rare souls as these. And fitting indeed it is that these of Norfolk 
should bequeath the memory of their ancestral home to the 
Ideal which these the North folk (pointing toward the Hoovers) 
in my name raise. May you be true to the spirit of service 
which has so ennobled the lives of Elizabeth Fry and Joseph 
John Gurney in their ministrations to the unfortunate and the 
enslaved. 

SO, SHALL I NAME THEE EARLHAM. 

(As Freedom speaks, John and Betty raise their eyes tozvard the 
Vision and Joseph John Gurney and Elisabeth Fry extend their 
hands upward toward it in benediction. They stand silently a mo- 
ment after Freedom ceases speaking, then pass on. John and Betty 
rise and start forward toward the Vision, when Freedom, again 
speaking, halts them.) 

Freedom : A word, my friends, before starting upon your quest. 
Long and difficult is the way ere you realize the Vision. Weary 
years shall intervene twixt this transfiguration and the hour of 
proud achievement — fifteen years of waiting and anxious strug- 

16 



gle ere Learning's torch is even lighted — twelve more years be- 
fore the day of recognition — and still ever onward shall your 
Vision lead you. Lest doubt and discouragement o'ertake you, 
I give some faithful friends to guide you on the way: Faith 
to fortify you; Hope to cheer; Courage to engird you; Self- 
Sacrifice to enrich; and Love to spur you on. These five shall 
bear you up and ever lead you forward. Forever afterward, in 
recognition of their service, your calendar of observance shall 
be marked in terms of them. These be your Quinquennial. 'Tis 
they for you will 

"Clothe the waste with dreams of grain, 

And on midnight's sky of rain 

Paint the Golden Morrow." 

(These five take position before John and Betty, and pointing 
toward the Vision beckon them onward. All start forward eagerly.) 

John and Betty: The Vision! The Vision! 

Scene Two: "Second Day, Sixth Month, Seventh." (1847.) 

(Freedom and her retinue enter, followed by Lewis A. Estes, 
Huldah C. Hoag and Cornelius Douglas and wife in background. 
From the opposite direction enters a company of a score or more of 
Friends, both men and women, who approach Freedom.) 

Freedom : Welcome, friends, on this glad day. God prosper the 
work now here begun. 

Elijah Coffin : (Spokesman) Yea, verily, may it prosper, and 
toward that end we pray His aid and thy direction. 

Freedom : Say on, Friend Coffin. 

E. Coffin : The Ideal of our vision to-day takes form, in the open- 
ing of Friends Boarding School. But who shall shape the Ideal 
and direct our children toward it? The work is too great for us. 

Freedom : Your need I have anticipated. I bring you assistance 
from New England, Freedom's cradle. At my bidding, these 
(motioning them forward) come to lead you in your quest. 
Lewis Estes, of discerning mind and understanding heart, 
scholar, teacher, friend, shall lead your young men in ways of 
wisdom. For your young women, Huldah C. Hoag, of equal 
gift, shall do likewise. For this you shall be known: there 

SHALL NO DISTINCTION OF SEX BE MADE FOREVER. 

These friends, Cornelius Douglas and wife, shall your super- 
intendent and matron be, ever watchful of the welfare and com- 
fort of your children. 

(Elijah Coffin steps forzvard and gravely shakes hands with the 
New Englanders, welcoming them on behalf of the Friends. Lewis 
Estes now takes charge, with Huldah Hoag a little apart at his side, 
the Douglas' behind them. Freedom and retinue step into the back- 
ground. The Friends withdraw to one side as spectators. At this 

17 



time Friends appear from the same direction from which Elijah 
Coffin et al came, bringing their boys and girls to the Boarding 
School. Leading, are John and Betty Hoover, with their children, 
Mary, Joseph and Edwin. The boys are presented to Lewis Estes 
and the girls to Hnldah Hoag. After they have gathered, they are 
assigned places in front of the principals, the parents taking their 
places with the other Friends.) 

Lewis Estes : On this eventful day, let us lay the cornerstone of 
wisdom in the words of the wisest of men. (He reads Proverbs 
2: 1-9.) 

Huldah Hoag: (In prayer) As we gather in this holy hour, Oh 
Father of Light, help us to know Thy truth as the way of Wis- 
dom and Freedom. 

Lewis Estes: Young friends, as we gather here to-day, let us do 
so in obedience to the vision which your fathers have seen — 
the vision of the Ideal which shall be called Earlham — that Ideal 
which stands for Enlightenment and Service. May steadfast- 
ness to this purpose make us to hold fast to all that is true and 
to eschew all that would limit perfect freedom. 

(Two young men enter upon the scene and are about to make 
overtures to some of the young Friends.) 

Lewis Estes : (Sternly) Whom have we here ? Speak ! 

Emissary: We are two emissaries from a sister college. 

Lewis Estes: Emissaries? Emissaries of what? 

Emissary: Of the spirit of fraternity. 

Lewis Estes : A suspicious word, methinks, putting a false face on 
brotherly love. What do you here? 

Emissary: We would install a chapter of our fraternity — our 
Greek letter fraternity. 

Lewis Estes: Is your fraternity open and does it include all the 
youth of your institution? 

Emissary : (Laughing rather condescendingly ) Why, no, 'tis secret, 
and certainly not for the barbs. 

Lewis Estes : The barbs ? 

Emissary : Yes, the barbarians, those without the pale and who are 
not entitled to our consideration. 

Lewis Estes : I see. I paid you just now too near a compliment. 
You have placed a fair name upon a whited sepulcher. You 
have done well indeed to designate your so-called fraternity with 
Greek letters. Your spirit of fraternity is proud, haughty, false. 
We plead for that brotherly love which is all inclusive. We are 
in quest of that freedom of opportunity in which all are equal. 

18 



Today we lay foundation upon that perfect unity in which there 
is no respect of persons. 

Hence! Now and forever! 

(The emissaries retire in confusion.) 

Lewis Estes : We establish here what shall be a college home — a 
home in which there shall be mutual consideration and oneness 
of purpose. We do well to banish all that would hinder such. 
In the future I behold the founding of student organizations — 
but they shall be such as may be of benefit to all. Leading 
among them all, I behold two, which stand for freedom of 
thought and effectiveness of speech, the development of per- 
sonality, and real fraternal fellowship. May Phoenix and Ionian 
be types of Earlham fraternity. 

Before dismissing you, may I call your attention to a few re- 
quirements, made by the management of this Boarding School. 

(Reads the following paragraph, taken from the official circular, 
announcing the opening of Friends Boarding School.) 

"Each boy should bring 4 shirts ; and each girl 3 frocks ; 5 or 6 
capes ; 3 or 4 aprons ; 2 woolen flannel petticoats ; 2 skirts, 4 shifts, 
and 3 night caps ; and each scholar of both sexes should be furnished 
with 3 towels; 3 dark colored handkerchiefs, and 3 pairs of stock- 
ings, suitable to the season, with tape strings sewed upon them for 
tying them together. The summer dress of the girls should be of 
plain dark calico, gingham, or such like, and the winter dress, of 
dark worsted or woolen goods. The outside garments of both sexes 
should be of dark grave colors; and all the clothing should be sub- 
stantial, and such as will cause as little washing as may be. Rem- 
nants, the same as the clothes, will be desirable to repair them. Each 
article of clothing is to be marked with the owner's name. Any 
article of dress not sufficiently plain, or requiring much washing, 
shall be returned; but if the make only be exceptionable, it may 
be altered and the expense charged. Such girls as have ar- 
rived at sufficient years will be expected to have plain stiff-plait 
bonnets, and other dress corresponding. The boys will be expected 
to bring hats, as caps will not be allowed ; and their coats, vests, and 
jackets are to be made with plain collars, to stand up, and not with 
rolling or falling collars." 

Students, to your tasks! 

(The boys file out together and the girls together, a few forward 
glances being exchanged. Lewis Estes follows the boys and Huldah 
Hoag the girls, he directing a serious, interested glance toward her, 
which causes her to lower her eyes in true Quaker maidenly modesty. 
All others retire after them, Freedom and retinue leaving last. Be- 
fore retiring, however, Freedom steps forward and raises face and 
arms toward heaven in a pose of thanksgiving and exultation.) 



19 



Scene Three: Teaching By Example — A Foretoken of 
Earlham (In the Second Term.) 

(Friends are seen gathering for "Fifth Day Meeting." The in- 
terest and alacrity with which the Boarding School pupils assemble 
themselves, indicate unusual proceedings ahead. After the audience 
has gathered, Leivis Estes and Huldah Hoag enter, accompanied by 
two friends, and take seats in front. A short period of silent wor- 
ship ensues, after which Elijah Coffin, who sits head of the Meeting, 
gives the sign to proceed. Lewis Estes and Huldah Hoag arise and 
clasp hands.) 

Lewis Estes : "In the presence of the Lord, and before this as- 
sembly, I take Huldah C. Hoag to be my wife ; promising, with 
divine assistance, to be unto her a loving and faithful husband, 
until death shall separate us." 

Huldah Hoag: "In the presence of the Lord, and before this as- 
sembly, I take Lewis A. Estes to be my husband; promising, 
with divine assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, 
until death shall separate us." 

(The marriage certificate is produced, is signed by the contract- 
ing parties, and by those who accompany them, as witnesses, and is 
then read. The wedding party takes its leave, followed by the 
audience.) 



20 



EPISODE FOUR: RECOGNITION OF THE "NEW LEARN- 
ING" AND THE AESTHETIC 



(Scene opens with Earlham slowly and thoughtfully walking up 
and down the back of the lower stage. Students enter from various 
directions, books in hand, which some are studiously perusing. Earl- 
ham looks inquiringly from one to another, as they con their lessons.) 

Earlham : William, I like thy studious attitude, but what readest 
thou ? Enlighten thou the rest of us. 

William : (Reads a few Greek words with much labor and hesita- 
tion, and then with reassurance) Enteuthen exelaunei stath- 
mous tres. 

Earlham: Why such evident satisfaction? What's the import? 

William : Eureka ! That I had found another smooth sail for 
Thalassa! Thalassa! The sea! The sea! Come in, the water's 
fine! 

(His older companions laugh appreciatively, while Earlham, 
deigning not to smile, turns to another.) 

Earlham : Albert, what knowest thou of this virgin soil — its re- 
sources, its natural history — 

Albert : (Interrupting on the word history) Rome fell 476 Anno 
Domini, the Dark Ages were ended by the discovery of Amer- 
ica and George Washington is the Father of his country. 

Earlham : Elizabeth Ann, what canst thou tell us of these stately 
trees that minister to our comfort? 

Elizabeth Ann : Shade trees — Arma virumque Cano, Troiae qui 
primus, etc. 

Earlham : Richard, (addressing a youngster not overly studious) 
what canst thou tell us ? 

Richard: (In shrill piping voice) Golly est omni divisa in three 
parts. 

Earlham : Such a beautiful flower thou hast there, Caroline. Its 
name and habitat? 

Caroline: Ich weiss es nicht, aber, parlez vous Francais? 

Earlham : (In growing perplexity and despair) Sarah, from what 
bird comes that sweet lilting call? 

21 



(Sarah unheeding, reels off a long algebraic equation. Earlham 
dismisses them all in despair. Board of Trustees enter and Earl- 
ham steps forward and speaks.) 

Earlham : I have a concern that we are not doing the best for the 
young people entrusted to our care. 

President of the Board: How not the best? 

Earlham : I am in doubt and can but poorly express myself — I am 
dedicated to the quest of freedom which leads to the fullest 
truth, to knowledge of the realities that make our lives. But 
what do we? Cast our teaching in the narrow moulds of past 
centuries. Can this bring freedom? The mere knowledge of 
theorem and Latin sentence — is this the truth that shall make 
us free? 

(Enter Freedom and train on the Chase Stage.) 

Freedom : Oh no ! I would have thee learn God's unfolding truth. 

Earlham : Why, thou dost but express my own feelings of which 
I was barely conscious. Say on ! 

Freedom : Fitting indeed it is that thou shouldst take the lead in 
all this country in thy sense of the New Learning. 

Earlham : But who shall point the way ? 

Freedom : Joseph Moore, him have I called ! (Joseph Moore enters 
below.) Thrice welcome Joseph Moore. 

Joseph Moore : Light has come out of the East whither I was sent, 
in answer to the eager promptings of my heart. Louis Agassiz, 
herald of the new learning, has filled me with a holy enthusiasm. 
I come from him and bid you hold aloft the standard of nature's 
truth. To study it, develop it — know it. Learn the language, 
the structure, the secrets, the history of nature : — the laws of life 
— the grand epic of all development. 

(He turns and points to the science students as they enter. 
Chemistry and Physics with equipment; geology students with their 
bags of rocks; bird and flower students with their field glasses and 
botany cans, and domestic science girls in caps and aprons. They 
show eagerness and enthusiasm as they take their position before and 
around Earlham and the Board.) 

Earlham : As investigators and searchers after nature's truth, as 
students of life, I welcome you to company with those who also 
learn from the rich largess of the past. Neither you nor they, 
alone, suffice. Your college is first in this great commonwealth 
to recognize you. We give the honor to that seer and prophet, 
Joseph Moore. From this day on, many are those, who, catch- 
ing here the vision, shall lead the quest both far and wide. Again 
we honor do to David Dennis, interpreter of God's out-of-doors. 
When the voices of these you hear no more — their spirit shall 
still lead you forward. So, on ! Ever onward in your quest, that 
in truth, the heavens may declare the glory of God and the firma- 
ment show his handiwork. 

22 



(Deborah Jones rises in a very determined manner.) 

Deborah Jones : But my friends, I have yet another concern. I 
have seen evidences among our students of a departure from 
Friends' principles. There is a tendency towards laxity in dress, 
both in pattern and color. And, furthermore, I have it on good 
authority that one of our young men has been heard playing a 
mouth organ on the school grounds. Such things ought not to 
be. (Nods of approval from others.) 

President of Board : This is a serious matter — Friends will please 
consider it carefully. What shall be done? 

(Freedom, who has been holding herself back with difficulty, 
now hurries forward and addresses the Board again.) 

Freedom : Oh, my friends, be not hasty in your action. So dili- 
gently have you sought me, I cannot bear that you fail me now. 
In a day of riotous living and empty form, your fathers did well 
to put away those things that might dim for them the inner light. 
But to mould your life by their conditions is to crystallize — and 
to crystallize is death. 

Keep the vision ! Open your ears and hear the harmonies of 
His creatures. How poor and dull this earth, else ! So, you, if 
you despise these graces of His love. Quench not in these youth 
the zest of life. Direct it aright and it shall lead you in the 
quest. Stern repression means stagnation or license ; meet with 
encouragement, the larger, better freedom. 

But listen ! The Spirit of Music makes its own plea in the 
person of our young friend, Catherine Hoover. I pray her a 
respectful hearing. 

(As Freedom speaks the words, "Keep the vision," a song is 
heard in the distance as of one approaching. As the last words of 
Freedom are spoken, Catherine Hoover appears on the scene. In 
her wake are the students who are represented as eagerly following 
and entreating the Spirit of Music. Freedom beckons to Catherine, 
who is still singing, to take her place before the Board. She con- 
tinues her music, making it a direct appeal. 

Her first song, which she sings as she approaches, is light and 
lyric, atune with nature's springtime. She then sings in argumenta- 
tive strain, ending with a song of tender appeal. The students have 
ranged themselves in the background, looking on and listening with 
pleasurable emotions, tinged with anxious expectation, as also Free- 
dom. The faces of the Board members are first austere, then merely 
serious, and relax during the appeal. Catherine Hoover ends by ex- 
tending her hands to them in earnest supplication, when, after a 
dramatic pause, the President of the Board, after noting the approv- 
ing glances of the members — Deborah Jones alone remaining 
dubious — nods his head in assent. 

At this token, the students, led by Catherine and supported by 
the orchestra, break forth into a glad chorus of joy and exultation. 
A number of girls, in flowing draperies, come into the foreground, 
and in graceful, rhythmic motion, give color and action to the scene 
and typify the aesthetic and beautiful.) 

23 



EPISODE FIVE: DEVELOPING THE GIFT— IONIAN AND 

PHOENIX, SCHOOLS IN SELF EXPRESSION. (1897) 

(As Earlham, exultant and half -expect ant, appears upon Chase 
Stage, she is suddenly surrounded by a bevy of 16 little girls rep- 
resenting the spirits of Youth and Hope. They frolic about her in 
joyous abandon and sing "Happy birthday, dear Earlham, happy 
birthday to you.") 

Earlham : It is indeed a happy birthday when Youth and Hope 
attend ! 

(Freedom, meantime, appears in the background and looks 
with interest upon the animated scene. As she approaches, the spirits 
of Youth and Hope retire.) 

Freedom : Sorry am I if my coming drives away your merry guests. 

Earlham : Be not disturbed. Youth and Hope are yet with me 
when Freedom comes. 

Freedom : Well turned — for a Quaker courtier ! Greetings upon 
this glad anniversary which finds thee, at the semi-century mark, 
in the very bloom of early womanhood. Thy face doth reflect 
the vision which thou hast kept. 

Earlham: (Kneeling before Freedom) Great joy is mine to hear 
thee say so. Whatever of grace and truth thou dost see in me 
is but thine own reflection. Upon thy face have I kept mine eyes 
through all the years. How I have aspired to become like thee 
— so like that he who sees the one might the other hail ! Is it but 
vain presumption this ? Pray tell me — dost thou really begin to 
see in me the suggestion of thine own image? 

Freedom : (Extending her hands to Earlham who arises) Vex not 
thyself in the matter. Be thou but loyal to the spirit of Freedom 
and it will be well with thee. Come now — give me a brief ac- 
count of thy stewardship. How fares it with the youths and 
maidens entrusted to thee? What the means whereby they 
grow in stature in the free unfolding of their characters? 

Earlham : The means are many. Above all I speak the great 
souls who have gone in and out before the youth as teachers — 
men and women who have been "not afraid to open their eyes 
in the presence of nature nor ashamed to close them in the pres- 
ence of God;" men and women who understand that "teaching 
is not instruction but revelation." 

Fair blest was Earlham in her first President, "a man who 
brought singular dignity, culture and grace to every task he 

24 



ever undertook." Linked with the names of Caleb Mills and 
Robert Dale Owen, in their contribution to education, Barnabas 
C. Hobbs is recognized as one of the great builders of the 
Commonwealth. With rare distinction he served his state, his 
nation, his religious Society. As an ambassador of Peace he 
stood, eloquent and persuasive, before Emperor and Czar. 
Whether as scholar, teacher, minister, statesman or adminis- 
trator, he stood untopped and commanding. He was a spiritual 
pioneer, a prophet, a builder of the New West. He was Truth's 
interpreter. Fellowship with him was education in very truth. 
Other great interpreters followed in his train : Joseph Moore, 
whom thou thyself didst call, Zaccheus Test, Calvin Pearson, 
Alpheus McTaggart, Dougan Clark, William Morgan, Eli and 
Mahala Jay, David Dennis, William N. Trueblood, Marianna 
Brown, Cyrus Hodgin, Joseph John Mills, Elbert Russell, Rob- 
ert L. Sackett — how long the roll that might extended be ! 
These, I repeat, be the revealers of life to Earlham's youth. 

Freedom : There is one other whose name with thine is so closely 
linked that 'tis known wherever Freedom's sought and cher- 
ished. 

Earlham : His name's indeed a hallowed one where'er my name is 
loved. I speak it reverently — Allen Jay. 

Freedom : Thou hast in truth been richly blest in these who have 
nurtured thy youth. But with such examples what have thy 
young people themselves done for their own development? 
Mere imitation, howe'er noble the model, maketh not for Free- 
dom's characters. 

Earlham : No indeed, but for puppets. One of my own sons, 
Robert L. Kelly, states it thus : "Earlham is proud to be noth- 
ing less and aspires to be nothing more than a plant for the 
manufacture of men and women." I would add, of well rounded 
men and women, who weave into their characters the woof of 
their own ventures. 

Freedom : Now thou dost truly interest me. How, "the woof of 
their own ventures?" 'Tis an arresting phrase. 

Earlham : The culture of character comes through self-expres- 
sion and self-expression through personal initiative. The goal 
— the development of personality. 

Freedom : True, but rather too ponderously true ! Thy phrase 
is more telling than its explanation. Cans't give me more of 
example and less of precept? 

Earlham : Gladly. My young people believe with Joseph John 
Mills, one of Earlham's Presidents, "that the simple faith of 
our fathers in Jesus Christ as the fundamental element of char- 
acter, is the best treasure that we bring to the student world." 
And believing, they are bringing it to pass on this thy campus 

25 



through their Young Men's and Young Women's Christian As- 
sociations. Schools in Christian service are they, round which 
center the deepest devotion, the noblest aspirations of the Col- 
lege life. 

Freedom : Thou answerest well, in putting first things first. What 
further ? 

Earlham : Very much, further. Scarce a decade from my begin- 
ning, were launched two student organizations that form the 
axis of the student life. Phoenix and Ionian they are, names 
endeared to every loyal Earlhamite. Their purpose may be 
partly guessed in this quaint expression I recall from Ionian's 
constitution: "For the purpose of cultivating language and 
mingling conversational pleasantry with the sterner truths of 
philosophy and science, and for the extension of our informa- 
tion on all subjects calculated to improve the mind or ennoble 
human nature, we adopt the following constitution and by-laws." 

Freedom : Very worthy and ambitious, in ideals at least. 

Earlham : That "the purpose of cultivating language" was more 
than realized is indicated in an early amendment to the consti- 
tution providing that "any member speaking more than three 
words without rising and addressing the president shall be liable 
to a fine." 

Freedom : An Ionian or a Phoenix amendment that ? 

Earlham : Oh, Ionian. That amendment would have made 
Phoenix members insolvent within a month ! 

But thou asked a moment ago for example. This is Ionian- 
Phoenix night and the societies now gather there in joint re- 
union in token of my anniversary. Let us to the shadows that 
we may listen and observe. 

(Freedom and Earlham retire to the background. From oppo- 
site entrances members of Ionian and Phoenix, respectively, come on 
the stage and take seats. At the desk an Ionian member presides 
with a Phoenixian as secretary.) 

The President: Fellow members of Phoenix and Ionian, past and 
present, we are met tonight in happy, joint reunion. 

Ionian Member: (Interrupting) Very joint and therefore very 
happy ! 

Second Member : In thorough keeping with Earlham's well known 
propensity for "joint associations !" May they never be broken ! 

The President: (Rapping vigorously upon his desk) Order, gen- 
tlemen, order ! 

On this anniversary occasion it is fitting that we fellowship 
with the past in reminiscence. Instead of the accustomed roll 
call, the Secretary will read a list, gleaned from the records, of 
some former members of Phoenix and Ionian, together with the 

26 



subjects with which they appeared in the annual public recitals 
given by the societies. Please note the wide range of human 
wisdom covered — the complex problems of human experience 
attacked. 

The Secretary : In the public programs of the '70's I have found 
these rather sepulchral subjects: 

Alice C. Francisco — Essay, "Gathered Leaves." 

John Albert Thompson— Oration, "The End Is Not Yet." 

Eliza Sutton — Essay, "Praise Follows Death." 

lone V. Hill — Essay, "The Discipline of Waiting." 

Phebbie White— Essay, "Life's Tangled Webb." 

Clara Levering — Essay, "Out of the Harbor Into the Bay." 

Mary L. Binford— "Oh Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be 

Proud?" 
D. F. Douglas— Oration, "The Millennium." 
Marianna Brown — "Address." (No subject given — as a fitting 

climax it should have read, "Midnight Meditations on 
Time and Eternity.") 

The '80's open rather pensively with an essay by Lizzie 
Sultzbaugh, entitled, "The Pines Still Murmur of the Long 
Ago," followed by more hopeful notes in the following: 

W. L. Malone— Essay, "Night Brings Out the Stars." 
Flora E. Pickett — Essay, "Gateway to Paradise." 

Declining to commit herself too definitely, Ella Bond con- 
tributes an essay, "Some Thoughts on a Subject." Gradually, 
problems of life, abstract and occasionally concrete, are boldly 
assailed. 

Bertha Wildman — Essay, "Greatness." 

Claburn S. Jones — Oration, "Fidelity, A Source of Happiness." 

Chas. R. Lane — Oration, "The Demand for the Practical." 

Elvira Hester — Oration, "Education of Women." 

A. Rosenberger — Oration, "Human Power." 

Robert L. Kelly — Oration, "The Faculty of Expression." 

Lucy Hill — Declamation, "Too Late for the Train." 

Joseph M. Dixon — Oration, "Tyranny of Public Opinion." 

Arlando Marine — Declamation, "Jimmy Butler and the Owl." 

An Ionian Member: Mr, President, feeling the spirit of remin- 
iscence steal upon me in keeping with the year, I have lately 
been conning the pages of old issues of The Earlhamite. Espe- 
cially have I followed the course of the public exhibitions of 
these two literary societies and have made a few playful ex- 
cursions into the field of literary criticism. I have made some 
notes on my findings and if they would interest members, I will 
read them. 

27 



Chorus of Voices : Hear him ! Hear him ! 

An Elderly Phoenixian : With the understanding that present 
company is always excepted — in the criticism ! 

The President : Trusting in the gentleman's well known gallantry, 
I think he may proceed. 

Ionian Member: In proof of the President's artful compliment 
(bowing to the President and turning with a smile toward 
Elderly Phoenixian) may I lead off with these: 

"Miss Edith Morris stepped lightly to the front and 
told in 'melody and rhyme' a simple, touching story." 

"Tastefully attired, Miss Augusta Mering approached 
gracefully to the front of the stage and read in firm, clear tones 
an elegantly written essay entitled 'Perplexed Music' ' 

An Ionian Member : (Interrupting) Here's to the Earlham girl — 
always at the front : (Ionian members cheer.) 

Ionian Member: (Continuing.) 

" 'The Schoolmaster's Guests' was rendered in a very spir- 
ited manner; a few of the gestures were rather frigid, and the 
attitude somewhat constrained, a result, perhaps, of momentary 
embarrassment." 

" 'The Voices That Are Calling Us' was the only grave 
production of the evening, and was a creditable essay, though 
not the author's best. The concluding portion was rendered 
rather too solemn and no doubt jarred on the sensibilities of 
some." 

This of the "orator of the evening:" "Much of his gesture 
was original, and some of it rather questionable in form, though 
this defect was largely compensated by the speaker's earnest- 
ness. In the graphic or dramatic the action was overdone ; yet 
the production was excellent throughout, and the small defects 
in delivery might have been easily overcome by faithful prac- 
tice under rigid and impartial criticism." 

John E. Parker, Essay, "The Mill:" "The paper was 
characteristic of Mr. Parker. Its high note was especially 
noticeable, wanting as it did anything offensively coarse, yet 
abounding in fun." 

Florence Wright, "The Crushed Rose:" "The lady has a 
keen appreciation and a good expression of the humorous, but 
in the more serious parts her reading might have been im- 
proved." 

Voice : (Interrupting) I fear the gallant gentleman is slipping in 
his gallantry ! 

Ionian Member: Methinks I hear the voice of S. E. Nicholson. 
One word too many as usual. List to this, Friend Edgar : "Mr. 
Nicholson's essay on 'Political Forces' contained some good 

28 



thoughts but was marred by verboseness." (Chorus — hear! 
hear!) 

"Elbert Russell recited a selection entitled 'War.' The de- 
claimer had good control of himself, and by his clear enuncia- 
tion was able to hold the attention of every one present/' 

"E. P. Trueblood declaimed, in an excellent manner 'How 
the Old Horse Won the Bet.' His speaking showed an intimate 
acquaintance with elocutionary training." And E. P. is the 
last word in Earlham oratory! 

A Phoenixian: Mr. President, while enjoying very much these 
reminiscent excursions, I feel not altogether flattered over the 
implication that the Phoenix contribution to these publics con- 
sisted largely in the feminine graces displayed in stepping "light- 
ly" and "gracefully to the front." As evidence that members of 
Phoenix as well as those of Ionian became adept in "mingling 
conversational pleasantry with the sterner truths of philosophy," 
I submit the following extract from an "opening address" by 
Ruth Hinshaw: "Our different susceptibilities of impression 
are dependent upon the prevailing capacities of our different 
nature, or upon the exclusive cultivation of certain faculties." 
I think we may readily concede, in the words of the reporter 
of the exhibition, that the address "was of rather a philosophical 
character !" 

An Ionian Member: With the indulgence of the members, Mr. 
President, I should like to offer the following in demonstration 
of how the halls of Ionian have rocked with oratory in days gone 
by. It is the peroration on the origin of the American flag taken 
from Jesse Kellum's oration, "Crossing the Delaware." 

"With every step, through his broken shoe the life-blood 
trickled, and in the snow the two colors, the one the cost of the 
people's liberty, the other the emblem of peace and purity, were 
blended ; then dipping a brush in the ethereal blue, in one cor- 
ner painted a blue field, and then plucking from the heavens the 
constellation Lyra and radiating it into a circle, stamped upon 
the national ensign a new constellation emblematic of perpetual 
union." (Tumultuous applause.) 

An Ionian Member : Talk about Wellington winning Waterloo on 
the rugby field of Eton — who knows how many future political 
battles were won in the forensic lists of Ionian? What leg- 
islative hold-out was ever more stubbornly contested or more 
cleverly maneuvered than the famous Ionian deadlock of 1895 ? 
As evidence that the X Y Z's of party regularity were well 
learned I recall this classic incident in Ionian annals. During 
animated discussion on a difficult point of order, Isaac Cook, well 
remembered Ionian Hotspur, arose and pointing to Walter Dick- 
son, evidently not deeply engrossed in the fine point at issue, 
said, "Mr. President, I'd like for the gentleman to the left to 
explain what he is voting on." Dickson arose and addressing 

29 



the President, declared, "I don't know that I can just explain 
what I'm voting on but I want you to understand that when my 
clique wiggles, I wiggle !" 

An Ionian Member: Mr. President, we have all enjoyed these 
playful echoes of happy days. Beneath the spirit of fun, and 
frolic there lives an affection for and an appreciation of these 
literary societies and the dear College of which they are a part. 
For myself, I cannot measure what Ionian has meant to me. 
Apart from its cherished associations, the development, the prac- 
tical training which it gave me can hardly be over-estimated. 
Indeed, I join with many others who have said they would not 
exchange their training in Ionian for any other feature of their 
college life. Met here on our own common footing, we dared 
our own ventures. We matched wit with wit, we strove for 
literary excellence, we learned to govern ourselves, to take a 
man's part in public assembly, whether in the chair or on the 
floor. Here we learned and grew in the democratic school of 
self-expression. I pay grateful tribute to old Ionian. 

Another Ionian Member: There is one special feature of the 
work of Ionian that I would emphasize. In publishing The 
Earlhamite the Society made a distinct contribution to Earlham 
and the College life and at the same time presented an incentive 
to literary effort and offered a valuable field of training to its 
members. It was in 1873 that the first number of the paper ap- 
peared, the result largely of the concern and perseverance of 
Edwin Horney, who became its first editor. Cut off early in 
life on the very threshold of a career of unusual promise, The 
Earlhamite and its achievements stand as no inconsiderable 
monument to his memory. He had the able assistance of James 
B. Unthank as literary editor and also of A. Rosenberger and 
Hiram E. Hadley as associates, with Oliver H. Bogue as the 
first financial manager. With such men in the editorial succes- 
sion as Rosenberger, Levi Starbuck, A. W. Macy, W. T. Dog- 
gett, Will A. Hadley, S. Edgar Nicholson, Elwood C. Perisho, 
J. Frank Brown and W. A. Newlin, The Earlhamite took high 
rank among the college journals of the country. These were men 
of real literary appreciation and literary ability, attested both by 
the merit of their own productions and by that of the contribu- 
tions which they secured. Under the editorship of A. W. Macy, 
for example, contributions to the pages of The Earlhamite were 
made by Coates Kinney (Rain on the Roof), Maurice Thomp- 
son and James Whitcomb Riley. Other well known and fre- 
quent contributors in the earlier years were Judge D. P. Bald- 
win, William Dudley Foulke and J. P. Dunn in prose, and Nar- 
cissa L. Jenkinson, Mattie Curl Dennis, William Russell, 
Mrs. D. M. Jordan, Lee O. Harris. William N. Trueblood 
and Robert E. Pretlow, in verse. In the realm of comment and 
criticism, such Earlham bred writers as Albert H. Votaw up- 
held the high literary standard of the paper. If The Earlhamite 
may be said to have mirrored the life and the literary atmosphere 

30 



of the College, we may well take time on this anniversary oc- 
casion to turn our thought to the past, in serious consideration 
for our profit as well as in reminiscence for our entertainment. 

A Phoenixian : Mr. President, far be it from me to intrude upon 
the precincts of this hall of masculine fame, except to remind 
you that after knocking vainly at its literary door for years, 
Earlham women established in 1891 a paper of their own called 
The Phoenixian. Its first staff of editors consisted of Edith J. 
Hunt, Vashti Binford, Mattie L. Gonser, Jessie L. Newlin, M. 
Alice Brown and Susy C. Wright with Marie Coggeshall as busi- 
ness manager. Later editors-in-chief were Vashti Binford, 
Clara E. Baldwin, Anna Maddock and Ida Mendenhall. Among 
Phoenixian contributors are found the names of "The Country 
Contributor," Juliet V. Strauss, Olive Rush, then a mere girl 
eagerly looking forward toward an artist's career, Mattie Curl 
Dennis, Mary Anna Stubbs and Caroline Miles. 

Inquisitive Ionian: (Roguishly) How long did The Phoenixian 
flourish ? 

Phoenixian: Long enough to compel the attention and admira- 
tion of the high and mighty Earlhamite, that deigned to woo its 
fair competitor. Both concluding that two could live as cheaply 
as one, a happy wedding occurred at the end of three years. 
The woman gave up her maiden name in deference to the con- 
ventions of a cave man civilization, but thereafter at the edi- 
torial masthead of the once arrogant Earlhamite, there appeared 
at the left hand, at the left mind you, the names of the editors 
selected by Ionian and on the right hand those selected by 
Phoenix. 

Ionian Voice : (Interrupting) A welcome to the friendly bleatings of 
the ewe lamb! 

Another Voice: Yes, but beware she doesn't pull the wool over 
your eyes. 

Third Voice : Editorial "Opposites" as it were I suppose ? 

Phoenixian : Yes, and with the usual attraction between opposites, 
it proved. Many a fatal Earlham case grew out of the editorial 
connection. 

Another Phoenixian : A word for the practical training received 
by Earlham women in the Phoenix Society. I think it has been 
demonstrated here this evening that they are amply able to hold 
their own — on equal footing with the men of Ionian. In the 
future I see our Phoenix-trained women assuming with poise 
and assurance, places of honor and service. I see our lone Hills 
serving as presiding officers over national women's organiza- 
tions, others as presiding officers — 

Ionian Voice: (Interrupting) Over the family fireside! 

31 



Phoenixian : over assemblies of church and state, and very- 
many of our members, leading in the literary and cultural de- 
velopment of their own communities. 

The President : Judging by successes already achieved in life by 
former members, I think we may be assured that in these so- 
cieties are being trained our future journalists, our poets and 
publicists, our orators in pulpit and forum, our legislators and 
statesmen, our pleaders of just issues at the bar of public opin- 
ion. Through us may Earlham make noble contribution to the 
cause of Freedom. 

And now the hour has come for our adjourning. 

Ionian Member: Mr. President, I move that we adjourn as we 
are met — in joint association! (Ionian chorus of "I second the 
motion.") 

The President : Ladies of Phoenix, are you ready for the ques- 
tion? With the consent of the governing, we are so adjourned. 

(The President, bowing to the Secretary, offers her his arm, 
and leads the way off the stage, the other members following suit. 
As they are well in exit, Earlham, taking Freedom by the hand, steps 
eagerly into the foreground.) 

Earlham : (Gazing with eyes alight after the departing Ionians 
and Phoenixians) My children ! 

Freedom : And mine ! 

(They leave the scene.) 



32 



EPISODE SIX: FOR FAITH AND FREEDOM. (1917) 



Scene One 

(Newsboys come running onto the campus — into the fore- 
ground below Chase Stage — crying: "Extra! Extra! War declared 
against Germany! United States Enters Great War! Extra! Extra! 
Lusitania to be avenged! Government makes call for volunteers! 
U. S. troops to be hurried over seas! Extra! Extra!" College men 
rush out on campus, buy papers, and read excitedly in small groups. 

Attracted by the excitement, Earlham appears above, coming 
to the front of the stage, observing and listening with evident con- 
cern. Following her shortly comes Freedom, attended by Justice 
and Peace. 

Having scanned the headlines and news columns, one of the 
men lights upon a ringing editorial, to which he calls the attention 
of his fellows.) 

Earlham Man : Listen to this, fellows. It's from an editorial, 
"The Crisis and the Present Duty." (Mounts a box and reads.) 
"At last the sword flashes from the scabbard to strike for jus- 
tice and humanity. This nation has been patient, too patient, 
with the unscrupulous enemy of civilization. He has violated 
every instinct of honor, he threatens the very existence of 
human liberty. We are a peace-loving nation. We deplore war. 
But when justice is repudiated, peace languishes and dies. The 
hour has come for the call to arms. From now on it is to be 
force — "force without stint." We who cherish freedom must 
now make our own the common cause of civilization. The path 
of duty lies so plain that none who love honor will fail to walk 
therein." 

( The reading is attended by exclamations of approval by some. 
Others look very serious and gradually draw a little aside from the 
group around the reader. All involuntarily turn toward Earlham, 
eager for her expression.) 

Earlham : Your unvoiced question reaches me. Clear is mine own 
conviction. Rooted in a tested past is it, until it is fiber of my 
fiber. 'Stablished also is it in my deepest thought and life. I 
would be faithless to myself and mine, I would cease to be as 
Earlham, should I follow the hue and cry of present circum- 
stance and o'erthrow the governance of my soul. 

But for you, my children, who but yourselves, each for 
each, shall speak? We are dedicated to the quest of Freedom, 
e'en the freedom of one's own conscience. Seek the truth, 
enlighten the conscience and act as it illumines. 

33 



(The members of the second group nod approvingly, and 
thoughtfully leave the scene.) 

Freedom : (Stepping forward with Justice and Peace) Since 'tis 
in our names that war's alarums sound, words from us may wel- 
come be. Listen in the name of Justice and Peace whom you 
espouse. 

(At this instant the rattle and the' roll of drums are heard in the 
distance, and the one group which has remained about the reader of 
the editorial, breaks up noisily and rushes away in the direction of 
the drum beats.) 

Justice: Alas, is it not too often so? When the war drums beat, 
they drown the voices of us in whose names the sword's un- 
sheathed. 

Peace : Forsaken by our own champions ? 

Freedom : When rage of war obtains, then Freedom, Justice, Peace 
depart the scene. 

(They retire. Earlham stands a moment, troubled and defected, 
then raises her arms in silent supplication, after which she with- 
draws.) 



Scene Two 

(A group of people carrying small American flags and singing 
a patriotic air gather before Chase Stage, facing the audience. It is 
representative of a crowd gathered to witness the departure of the 
boys in khaki. The roll of the drums is again heard in the distance, 
gradually becoming louder. At tHe sound Earlham reappears in the 
foreground of Chase Stage. Presently the men in uniform swing 
into viezv, amid the plaudits of the waiting spectators. As the soldier 
boys approach they salute Earlham and halt at her up-raised, arrest- 
ing hand.) 

Earlham : A word of "God speed" ere you depart on your mission 
of devotion and danger. Earlham respects conviction and hon- 
ors courage. She believes that you have both; that you are 
going forth in response to duty's call as you have heard it. She 
would not have you derelict to duty. As you go so may you 
return, with high purpose and true heart, having risked all for 
the cause we all love. Farewell. 

(The officer salutes, gives a quick command, and to the step of 
the drums, the soldiers march on and out of view. 

As they disappear on one side, a group of young men and women 
enter on the other in the uniform of the American Friends Service 
Committee. The spokesman addresses Earlham.) 

A. F. S. C. Spokesman : We have acted on thy counsel and have 
deeply sought the truth. As thou knowest, Freedom we fondly 

34 



cherish, "most priceless gift of heaven's store to man." No less 
we cherish Peace and Justice, fatefully obscured when war 
clouds lower. The issue is difficult but we look beyond the day 
to the unfolding years to come. We would make our contribu- 
tion in deeds of love and service to the way of reconciliation yet 
to be. This, our faith and this our consecration. 

(Freedom on hearing her name spoken reappears, attended by 
her retinue, and as she approaches, the A. F. S. C. Spokesman turns 
and addresses her in words from the Prologue.) 

Throughout Earth's space since very time began 
The battle rage for Freedom has been heard ; 

jjl ■%. j(C ■%. 

Through conquest and through carnage, seeking thee, 
Have war lords ever thought to win as well 
Thine other sister Peace. Such winning has 
Fore'er been fanciful and false. For thou 
Wouldst teach that thou art one of trinity, 
In Freedom, Justice, Peace — all three in one, 
And each without the other vain. All they 
Who ever dare spurn one, must soon lose all. 



We come to-day a little band of Friends — 
E'en loyal friends of Freedom, Justice, Peace, 
And if so friends of God. Midst clashing arms, 
Midst shaking thrones, our fathers learned what thou 
Wouldst speak. Espoused they, thy sister Peace. 
Unmoved by war's alarums, true to her 
They thought them true to Justice and to thee. 

Freedom : Hail and honor, children of the light, though pilgrims 
of the night — war's lurid night. The past's cruel reckoning 
foretells a tragic morrow. When peace hath been declared 
'twill be a mockery, justice will be betrayed and homeless will 
I be. Such is war's bitter aftermath however high its fine 
phrased purpose. But you? Not for you the plaudits of the 
hour. But look with me into the future. In fair villages of the 
plain untold I see bleak ruin replaced by hope and comfort ; in 
battle-scarred countrysides, gray desolation by the greenery of 
fertile fields ; in food-blockaded cities, wasting little ones re- 
stored to life and joy. There be your plaudits, in the hearts of 
those who learn of love through you. There be your satisfaction 
in the faltering step you help the world to take toward brother- 
hood. Freedom's blessing be yours and may the peace of Christ 
attend you. 

(As the A. F. S. C. workers depart, the hands of Freedom and 
her retinue and of Earlham are extended over them in silent benedic- 
tion.) 



35 



EPISODE SEVEN : FULFILLMENT AND PROMISE— 
THE JUBILEE OBSERVANCE. (1922) 

(The Spirits of Youth and Hope reappear, joyfully leading 
Earlham, with garlands of greenery, onto the stage, after which, en- 
circling her with the garlands, they dance and skip about her, then 
bowing and singing their "Happy Birthday." As Freedom and 
retinue appear the Spirits of Youth and Hope take places behind 
Earlham.) 

Freedom : Once more I chance upon the anniversary scene. Lightly- 
must the years have passed, since Youth and Hope still lead 
thee on. 

Earlham : As with fairy's wand the passing years are waved aside. 
With high heart to this my year of Jubilee I come. Fountains 
of youth refresh me ever as I persevere in Freedom's quest. 

Freedom : What token dost thou give me of continued fealty to my 
cause ? 

Earlham : I give thee token from this the very year of Jubilee 
itself. 

Freedom : (All aglow with interest) Quickly, say on. 

Earlham : Having led my children gradually forward through the 
years, step by step, in paths of self -development, I have bred 
in them the spirit and the quality of free men and women. 
Atune with Freedom's aspirations now pulsing through the 
earth, they requested of me the right of their own governance. 
In faith it almost seemed that in the flush of new conscious- 
ness they required my own abdication! 

Freedom: (Anxiously) And what in my name didst thou answer? 

Earlham : Together, they and I learned again how Freedom's 
quest is kept; how authority brings responsibility; how free- 
dom is a sacred trust to be executed for the common weal ; how 
they who are really free, serve most. Together we saw as 
ne'er before that self-government is the fine attainment of true 
co-operation, Freedom's very goal. 

Sobered with this realization, my children and I have joined 
hands in closer understanding. Appreciative of this interpre- 
tation, we have written a new chapter in our college government 
as the Magna Carta of Earlham's liberties. And this in the 
Jubilee of Earlham 75 and in the year of our Lord 1922. 

36 



Freedom : Blest climax and consummation ! Fair Earlham and 
ever fairer, thy fervent hope hath come to realization. In thee 
at last I see but mine own image. Proudly I hail thee as Free- 
dom's very sister. 

Earlham: (In ecstasy) Oh blessed day! Oh joyous anniversary, 
that sees this happy consummation ! In very truth the year of 
Jubilee ! 

Spirits of Youth and Hope, (turning and addressing them) 
go forth and call the children of Earlham to make merry on 
this gladsome day. 

(The Spirits of Youth and Hope separate and skip and run in 
all directions on their happy errand. Earlham continues, addressing 
Freedom.) 

In very joy of life and zest of joy, we no less tribute pay 
than in our very serving. They doubly serve who serve with 
gladness. And it please you, in lightsome, blithesome, whole- 
some revels my children will now honor thee and thine. 

Freedom : Well spoken ! This is indeed a glad and festal day. I bid 
thee join thy voice with those of Youth and Hope in calling 
thy children to make merry here before us. 

Earlham : (Turning and calling) Children of mine, on to the 
scene. 

With music and color and rhythm's delight, 
Interpret the spirit of Earlham aright; 
The Spirit of present, of future to be — 
The Spirit of Earlham, triumphant and free. 

(The Spirits of Youth and Hope come running onto the lower 
scene, leading the children of Earlham who have caught the spirit 
of the day. Those of the cast of the Pageant take position in semi- 
circle before the Stage. The revelers then appear, led by the Spirit 
of Music, singing "Come out, Come out." 

The Spirits of Youth and Hope return to the Stage and sur- 
round Earlham and Freedom who stand side by side, observing the 
colorful extravaganza of joyous life below. As the conclusion of the 
latter, the children of Earlham turn toward the Stage and sing 
"Freedom Our Queen," after which all join in singing "Alma Mater," 
the audience rising.) 



37 



ALMA MATER 



Guarded well by elms and maples 

Shrined in every heart, 
Our beloved Alma Mater 

Earlham fair thou art. 
Alma Mater we thy children 

Tribute bring to thee, 
Hail to thee, our dear old Earlham, 

Hail, all hail, E. C. 

Voices gay of youth and maiden 

Echo round thy walls, 
Memories tender cling like ivy 

To thy chambered halls. 
Alma Mater, we thy children 

Tribute bring to thee, 
Hail to thee our dear old Earlham, 

Hail, all hail, E. C. 



38 



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